Coronavirus Update: Philadelphia Reports First Coronavirus-Related Death
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia reported its first coronavirus-related death on Wednesday. The patient was a man in his 50s who had an underlying health condition.
He died in the hospital within the past couple of days.
"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this resident," Mayor Jim Kenney said during Wednesday's briefing.
The state's death toll is now at 11.
"We certainly expect more deaths in the future," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
Kenney urged residents to stay indoors to limit the spread.
"This virus is very real and very deadly," Kenney said.
Farley announced 93 new cases, bringing the city's total to 342. Statewide, there are over 1,100 cases.
The health commissioner said there is at least one case each among civilian city employees, police officers and firefighters.
"This disease is increasing rapidly in Philadelphia," Farley said.
Farley also asked those who traveled to the New York City metropolitan area recently to self-quarantine for 14 days due to the number of cases they have.
The mayor is extending the closure of non-essential businesses through April 6 in hopes to slow the rapid spread. Meantime, Kenney is touting the recent passage of a $2 trillion dollar federal stimulus plan meant to help families and cities like Philadelphia battling this pandemic.
"We are pleased of the passage. The direct payments to those earning less than $75,000 will provide an immediate boost to many Philadelphia households," Kenney said.
There are more than 20 sites in Philadelphia, including hospitals now testing for the coronavirus. But health officials still warn test kits are limited. Medical professionals and those over 50 years old who are most at risk are getting priority.
Delaware County also reported its first two deaths — an 85-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman.
Philadelphia and the surrounding counties are under a stay-at-home order.
CBS3's Natasha Brown contributed to this report.
